The regulations imposed by Royal Oman Police ("ROP")
strictly prohibits wearing a mask when driving. However, due to the
current COVID-19 situation, ROP have lifted the ban temporarily as
the government calls for citizens and residents to adhere healthy
habits i.e. the vigilant washing of hands and the covering of faces
while sneezing or coughing.
Formerly, the punishment for wearing a mask in such
circumstances was a fine up to OMR 50 (fifty Omani Rial). The
purpose of the ban was to easily identify drivers while on the
road, which is obviously hindered by masks.
Due to these exceptional circumstances, the Ministry of
Transport has also issued a decision to stop the operation of all
public transportation vehicles including "Buses, Ferries,
Taxis (microbus)" from Thursday 19th March until further
notice.
